My New Office/Studio Space

Hello my friends…I am so happy to be back! I have a few pictures of my new office/studio space. I wasn’t too sure if I should hold off until all of the tiny details were completed, but since I’m heading into my busy season with Willow and Bee and The Little Bee Merchant, I thought now was a great time to share. Here is the ugly before picture!

what a mess…I don’t know how I was able to work in this!

Before I decided to start my office, I remodeled the kids homeschooling area with built in desks, cabinets, and bookcases. This was my jumping point for the changes that I wanted made in my office. I may or may not have actually let my space get EVEN messier than neccesary just so I could justify changing it…oh the things we will do!

We love using this new area…but I’m not done decorating it!

FYI…my {Office} Pinterest Board is public now that I have finished my office. I had also started a board for the homeschooling area and I just made that one public too! I like sharing once it’s done rather than you seeing my obsessive pins on a daily basis. It’s embarrassing when a perfect stranger asks me if I’m starting a new project. They seem almost telepathic until I realize that they must be seeing all of my pins! Ha!

Alrighty, on to the fun stuff…

ahem…does anyone else cover their computer camera??

So above is the main “command center”. I have about 6 feet across from left to right without including the little sections on the sides. All of my jewelry making components are on the left. My drawing and crochet books are above my computer. To the right I have paper craft items as well as things that I use for my headbands and The Little Bee Merchant kits.

I purchased a lot of my office accessories on Amazon and I must say I’m digging the next day or even same day shipping!

What’s in the canisters you ask??? Tasty Starbucks Mocha coffee in the little canister and Papa Nicholas Decaf coffee in the larger canister.

I’m super happy with this little area for making coffee. I don’t drink coffee all of the time, but when I need a little perk or a change in routine, I enjoy having the ability to brew a fresh cup. I also keep my memo board nearby so I can keep any inspirational items posted right above the area where I make jewelry. Another thing I just love…my little water carafe from IKEA.

Cricut Explore One right at home!

On the right side of my computer I have an area dedicated to paper crafts. This little area also serves as my packaging table for my Etsy and Amazon orders. I have a pullout tray that stores my paper cutter and labels. Tape and ribbon are all near by too. The upper corner cabinet stows all of my envelopes and packaging tape. If you’re an online seller, I highly recommend having a packing station.

an area for office extras

I had just enough space on the back wall behind my computer for a small bank of cabinets. I used three 15″ deep cabinets to hide away all of those extra office supplies. I also have three burlap containers below the cabinet that store all of my jewelry displays. If you need more space and can spare 12-15 inches…consider adding a few kitchen upper cabinets to your office to make a functional storage area. Place a nice counter top on the cabinets to double as a table.

I love a good cart with wheels!

Directly behind my computer chair sits a little cart on wheels. I have several carts on wheels throughout the house. I’m not entirely sure what the attraction is all about, but for the little cart that I keep in my office, I’m in love. The cart is actually a tiny kitchen island. It has 3 shelves that allow me to keep a bin of bills, my camera and lenses, and lastly extra bulky supplies like my double tape dispenser. I love that I can add a machine to the top of the cart without cluttering up my workspace. When I make The Little Bee Merchant science and craft kits, I place my sealing machine on top of the cart and it keeps the surface on my desk free for me to assemble the kits. I think a small rolling cart is a must in any multi-functional office.

a panoramic view of the right side

If you have a “few” die cutting machines, printers, or large unsightly equipment…I really recommend adding a tall pantry to your space. I keep several die cutting machines, foil machines, my printer, electric pencil sharpener, and other tools in the tall pantry. The printer works even when the door is closed. I love having the things that are not in use put away, it keeps a nice clean look in my office and also makes the space feel less cluttered. Another tip for anyone looking to remodel their office and add functionality, purchase under cabinet lights with plugs. I have the ability to plug in my cricut, coffee maker, and usb chargers right into the strip of lights located under the cabinets. It makes things easier if you can easily plug in and get going without cords getting in the way of your work.

Past project vignette filled with inspiration.

Earlier this year Nadia and I hand crafted all of the centerpieces for the Dupage Children’s Museum’s Gala. The event hosted 400+ attendees which meant 40 centerpieces. I keep this balloon as a reminder that anything is possible. At times the task seemed overwhelming, but in the end the event turned out to be magical. This little memento is a reminder that with a lot of prayer, hard work, and laser sharp focus, even the seemingly impossible is possible.

the front half

This year will be another great year for Willow and Bee and The Little Bee Merchant. What started as a tiny little business has now given me the opportunity to grow as an artist and best of all…to include and work along side my “little” Nadia. Before embarking on this new office project, I waited until my business produced enough income for me to move forward to create this new space. It gave me a goal to work towards and has given me piece of mind to know that the office is done and that I’m done paying for it.

me and my little peanut…a few years ago

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions on your remodel. I planned and drew my office over and over for years! This was something that I wanted to get right and had to be sure each and every section worked for the purpose it was intended for. Although I’m not entirely done with everything in this office, I will create blog posts on the items that I have yet to complete. I want to add a hanging paper roll to the back of my office door, make an office hours sign, create file folders that are cute for my little bin next to my computer, a light box, and who knows what else! I hope you’ll join me in my crafting journey!